1408 is a first-rate horror movie and an entertaining flick. It's based on a Steven King short story and reportedly King himself approved of the movie.

It stars John Cusak (as Mike Enslin) in his biggest horror movie roll ever, and it's about time. Cusak is a talented actor and portrays a writer, who investigates and debunks paranormal activity at haunted hotels. Somehow he has never yet experienced a true haunting. He's a brash, unbeliever. Apparently he's never watched Ghost Hunters before!

Samuel L. Jackson plays the Hotel Manager (Gerald Olin) for the Dolphin Hotel and does a great job, although I'd have preferred to see more of his onscreen presense.

Mike Enslin receives a postcard warning him of the notorious Room 1408 at the Dolphin Hotel in Manhattan. Intrigued, he discovers that numerous people have died there and before you know it he's itching to stay there. Wisely, the hotel is reluctant to offer this room to anyone. But with some advice from his lawyer he's able to persuade Mr. Olin to let him stay. Olin tries hard to warn and dissuade Enslin, but Enslin is a true skeptic. In the end Room 1408 makes a believer out of him, and he's only too glad to leave.

The movie tells a story, with physchological creepiness, adventure and emotional appeal. It avoids the modern day blood and gore, and effectively manages to scare you. So many different surprises occur in the span of one hour that you can't help but stay tuned in. It has some neat twists and there's no sense that you've seen this all before.

This movie is a must see for horror movie fans and probably one of the best movies this year. As a viewer you'll stay trapped in room 1408 right along with Enslin till the end. If there is a Dolphin Hotel in New York, I'm certain bookings have been good recently.